CBD for Dogs: Myth or Miracle?

My yellow Labrador’ Chip, started showing signs of arthritis at the age of six. Where we used to walk him over three miles every day, suddenly we found ourselves limited to a half mile. We started treating him with the usual things: first glucosamine and fish oil, then the pain reliever rimadyl, then cold laser and acupuncture, and most recently, an injection of Adequan. Each time, we saw a mild improvement in his symptoms, only for him to slowly slow down all over again.

Then we tried CBD hemp oil. The difference was remarkable. Our slow, lazy dog, who often wouldn’t get up to greet us, was suddenly jumping on everybody, grabbing socks out of the laundry, and helping himself to food off the counter. While I thought I had trained him not to do those things, it was clear he had just been slowed down by pain. I love having my fun-loving, happy dog back.

The minute marijuana was legalized in Colorado, sales of CBD, the non-psychoactive part of the marijuana plant, soared.

CBD is said to have many healing qualities, such as reducing inflammation, treating chronic pain, and treating epilepsy. A study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine found that CBD significantly reduced chronic inflammation and pain in some mice and rats. It is also said that large doses of CBD can aid in the fight with cancer.

CBD, Hemp Oil, or Hemp Extract: What is the Difference?

Many people use the terms CBD, Hemp Oil, or Hemp Extract interchangeably, but it’s important to understand the difference.

The website Naked Supplements describes it this way: “CBD Oil and Hemp Oil are from a different Cannabis plant called Cannabis Sativa. Hemp Extract is made from the entire plant including leaf, seed and stem. Most oils on the market selling as CBD oil are 97% or more Hemp Seed Oil, MCT (medium-chain triglycerides) oil or vegetable glycerine and 3% Hemp Extract. This does not contain THC and is legal in all 50 states.”

Whereas “Cannabis Oil is from the marijuana plant (Cannabis Indicas). The oil is extracted from the leaves of the Cannabis plant. It contains high levels of THC. It is illegal in most states. It is used for medicinal purposes and as a recreational drug.” Rick Bennett, Director of Sales and Marketing at Restorative Botanicals, had this to say, “Whole plant hemp extract is truly nature’s adaptogen, containing numerous essential nutrients for one’s mind, body and overall well-being. Our products are derived directly from Certified Colorado Industrial Hemp, and include a broad spectrum of phytocompounds not found in CBD isolates or concentrates — such as omegas , flavonoids, and terpenes. In addition, the prevailing belief among health care professionals is that these types of phytocompounds act in concert with one another in what is known as the entourage effect.” What do the Veterinarians Say?

Unfortunately, most of the evidence in favor of CBD is still anecdotal. Veterinarians are still prohibited from prescribing marijuana derivatives to their clients, so it’s hard to get any real scientific advice. According to the CVMA, “Anecdotal evidence suggests that an increasing number of companion animal owners are asking veterinarians for their recommendations on marijuana use for the treatment of a variety of conditions, including adjuncts in chronic pain management and cancer therapy.”

However, the CVMA goes on to clarify their stance: “It is illegal in the State of Colorado for a veterinarian to prescribe marijuana for animal use.”

Prescribing a substance, though, is different from discussing its use with a client. The CVMA gives this advice to veterinarians: “The American Veterinary Medical Association does not have a position statement on the use of marijuana and marijuana products and offers this advice: “Veterinarians making treatment decisions must use sound clinical judgment and current medical information, and must be in compliance with federal, state and local laws and regulations.”

The Verdict?

After trying many, many veterinarian-approved treatment for arthritis for my dog, there was no doubt that the broad spectrum Hemp Oil Supplement that I purchased from Restorative Botanicals had a large, noticeable effect. If it had been myself, I would have wondered if I was responding to the hype and was experiencing a placebo effect.

One thing is for sure, though. There’s no such thing as a placebo effect for a dog. I’m happy to see Chip stealing a hot dog off of my husband’s plate, because that means he’s feeling really good.

About the Author Lura Vernon is a resident of Boulder, CO and is the author of the children’s book Marlo’s Rainbow Pony as well as several short stories, and she was once nominated for a Pushcart Prize in Fiction. Lura is the parent of two grown daughters, and, as her children grew up and moved out, she began to replace the kids with pets. She is now the parent of two Yellow Labradors, one Humane Society dog of unknown origin, and a very special black cat. Lura recently joined a 12-step program for people with a severe puppy addiction, but unfortunately Lura has never made it past admitting that she has a problem. Lura’s new book – Cool Dogs and Crazy Cats

Cool Dogs and Crazy Cats – A Book of Haikus is a gift book of humor, haikus, and pet photography. The pets depicted in this book have exceptional narratives that are told in an often humorous, sometimes sweet, and sometimes touching haiku format. Haikus are Japanese poems of seventeen syllables that traditionally evoke images of the natural world, which is what makes them a perfect format for describing the viewpoints and emotions of our beloved pets.